The Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb): more control and quality in construction
Everyone wants quality buildings with fire safety and low energy consumption. To ensure this, more supervision and control is needed in the construction industry. Therefore, for now, the Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb) will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Thus, this law is designed to ensure that structures meet essential standards and improve construction quality.
Initially, the new rule applies only to single-family homes and small commercial properties. This offers interested parties an opportunity to gain experience with the renewed supervision in construction.
Phase-in starting in 2024
From January 1, 2024, the Wkb will be introduced step by step. This was stated by the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. Until 2028, the Wkb applies only to simple structures, such as single-family homes and small commercial buildings. After that, it will be extended to other structures. The Building Quality Assurance Act ensures that not the municipality, but an independent company checks that a building meets all technical requirements. This is beneficial to people and businesses that have a building constructed, as their interests are better protected.
New construction and remodeling: fewer defects, better quality
The cabinet is committed to having construction companies more strictly monitor the quality of their work. This helps to minimize building defects and deficiencies, such as construction defects, fire unsafe situations, insulation problems and poorly functioning ventilation. It also leads to cost savings for construction companies, which require less repair work. In addition, the work of independent auditors (quality assurance officers) is simplified and accelerated by the fact that builders already perform many audits themselves. Increase the quality of your new construction and remodeling projects with these targeted measures.
New law: Strengthened construction oversight and improved liability regime, for safer and more reliable construction projects
The government is introducing a new quality assurance system with the following five major changes:
- Independent quality assurance experts verify that a building meets legal technical requirements, both during design and on the construction site. The Wkb eliminates technical review by the municipality and introduces an independent quality assurance company instead
- The contractor is responsible for all construction defects caused by himself. The client can force the contractor to fix the errors even if they are not discovered until later. The law is also intended to strengthen the position of construction consumers
- The contractor must inform the client of the insurance policies he has taken out for liability.
- Municipalities will have a greater role in construction supervision.
- There will be a national database recording all information about a structure.
With the new Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb), construction supervision will be stricter and liability regulations will also be improved. The Wkb thus places more responsibility on construction companies to prove that their work complies with building codes. This means that construction companies must pay more attention to quality assurance and the use of good materials.
The increasing importance of high-quality materials in light of the Building Quality Assurance Act
The use of quality materials in construction is critical to quality assurance for several reasons. This is true not only with the advent of the new regulations, but the use of high-quality building materials has always been essential;
Meeting Building Regulations: High-quality materials help ensure that construction projects comply with technical building codes set by the government. This is especially important with the introduction of the Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb), under which construction companies are responsible for demonstrating that their work complies with building codes.
Durability: Good materials often last longer and are more resistant to wear and tear. This means less need for repairs and replacements, which can lead to lower long-term maintenance costs.
Safety: The use of high-quality materials can contribute to the safety of a building. Good materials can better withstand fire, water, wind and other risk factors, reducing the risk of accidents and damage.
Energy efficiency: Many quality building materials have insulating or energy-saving properties, which can contribute to a building’s energy efficiency. This is not only good for the environment, but can also lead to lower energy costs.
Customer satisfaction: A building built with high-quality materials is more likely to meet customer expectations, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and a better reputation for the construction company.
Why is it essential to use top quality technical construction membrane?
Technical construction membrane plays a crucial role in construction, especially under the Building Quality Assurance Act (WKB). The law sets higher requirements for the quality and sustainability of construction projects. High-quality technical construction membrane can help meet these standards. Using high-quality technical construction membrane is crucial for several reasons:
Moisture regulation: High-quality Construction membranes, such as those from Meuwissen Gerritsen, provide a moisture-regulating protective layer for construction and insulation. This helps to prevent moisture problems and mold, which contributes to the durability and longevity of the building.
Heat and moisture control: The primary purpose of vapor control Construction membrane is to prevent warm, moist air from entering the insulation material or the structure itself from the inside. This not only prevents wood rot and mold in the structure, but also ensures that the warm air is not lost which provides direct energy savings.
Consistency and reliability: The use of certified products from well-known and reliable suppliers such as Meuwissen Gerritsen, ensures that the quality of the film is guaranteed, now and in the future.
Building performance: Although foils are a small part of the structure, they have a major impact on building performance, especially when it comes to insulation and energy performance.
Preventing future problems: Using the right film in the right place contributes to a healthier living and working environment and prevents high costs due to leakage or energy loss in the long run.
The story is clear, but which type of Construction membrane is best for my construction?
It is definitely an understandable question which film to select, especially since at Meuwissen Gerriten we offer a wide range of films from renowned brands such as Miofol, Vastr, Alkreflex, Tyvek, Polytex and Taftex. Each of these brands has films that are better suited to certain applications than others, depending on the specific result you want to achieve.
To help you navigate these options and make the most appropriate choice for your project, we have developed a handy and easy-to-use foil guide. This tool is designed to guide you in choosing the right Construction membrane for different parts of a building, whether it is a roof, facade, wall or floor.
All you have to do is indicate your preference in the film guide, and within a minute you will receive a customized advice that will help you make the best choice. This ensures that with the advent of the wkb (Wet Kwaliteitsborging voor het Bouwen) you will not have any problems. By using the right film, you guarantee construction quality and meet all legal requirements.
For the film guide click here
Key take-aways from the new Building Quality Assurance Act (WKB)
Responsibility: The Wkb puts more responsibility on construction companies for the quality of their work. They must be able to demonstrate that their work meets building codes.
Quality assurance: The law introduces a new system of quality assurance. There will be independent quality assurance officers who will supervise construction and check that the structure meets the legal requirements.
Consumer protection: The Wkb improves the position of consumers. If defects are discovered after completion, the contractor is basically responsible for them.
Construction Works Assessment File: Construction companies must create a file with evidence that the structure complies with the rules. This is called the Construction Works Assessment File (Dbb).
Dispute Commission: There will be a new, low-threshold dispute commission to which consumers can turn if they have a dispute with their contractor about the quality of the construction work.
